Newsletter 10

January 2007 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER

International Medical Geology Association

Newsletter No. 10 ISSN 1651-5250

MEDICAL GEOLOGY IN THE IMGA “RUSSIA— NIS” DIVISION

RUSSIA-NIS AUTHORS IN Inside this issue: THIS NEWSLETTER FROM THE DIRECTORS 2 Left, Dr. Iosif Volfson MEDICAL GEOLOGY IN 4 THE IMGA RUSSIA-NIS Chair, IMGA Russia-NIS DIVISION ISOTOPES 234, 238U AND 7 Division 241Am IN THE ENVIRON- MENT DISTRIBUTION OF NATU- 11 Below: RAL RADON IN THE Left Alexander Gulynin, MOSCOW REGION METHODOLOGY FOR THE 12 Right, Alexey Strodubov RADIOLOGICAL ASSESS- MENT OF UNDERGROUND WATERS IN THE MOSCOW REGION

RISK ASSESSMENT RE- 12 LATED TO MINERALS

THE CORRELATION OF 18 POTENTIAL FIELDS WITH PSYCHIC DISORDERS AND SOMATIC DISEASES IN LITHUANIA

HEALTH OF CATTLE AND 23 WILDLIFE DOWNWIND FROM GAS FACILITIES: THE WESTERN CANADA STUDY

BOOK: MEDICAL GEOL- 24 OGY IN BRAZIL FROM THE DIRECTORS

Interest in Medical Geology continues to expand directions. worldwide at an increasingly rapid rate, creating nu- merous opportunities. Therefore, we launched the • Bob Finkelman will be teaching a one credit International Medical Geology Association (IMGA) course on Medical Geology at the University of in January 2005. This is the second regular newsletter Texas at Dallas beginning in January. of IMGA and our plans are to send you two newsletters like this every year. But we rely on your help and • Regional divisions of IMGA are now under de- we hope that you will submit material for the news- velopment.. The following divisions are estab- letters in a timely manner. lished: South America, Russia and NIS, Sub Sa- hara Africa. The following divisions are under Olle Selinus continues in his capacity as Director of planning: Caribbean and Central America, SE this activity. Jose Centeno and Bob Finkelman are Asia including India, Sri Lanka etc, East Asia, Co-Directors. Dave Elliott will continue his work as Australia, Oceania, North America, Europe, editor of the Newsletter Southern Mediterranean. Some of these are al- Secretary of IMGA is Kim Chisholm, University of most established. Western Australia, Australia, Treasurer is Dave • Education has started at universities in Australia, Slaney, New Zealand. We have also appointed six US and Sweden. Please send information on all Councillors to represent the broad geographic distri- new university courses for the website. bution of Medical Geology and the wide range of disciplines that are embraced by this topic. The • 25-30th September 2006, The 7th International Councilors are: Symposium on Environmental Geochemistry (ISEG) took place in Beijing, China. About 500 Bernardino Ribeiro de Figueiredo (Geologist, Brazil) participants attended. We gave one short course Fiona Fordyce (Geochemist, UK) in medical geology, two plenary speeches and Zheng Baoshan (Geochemist- China). several other talks. Medical geology was very Calin Tatu (Medical researcher, Romania) visible during the whole symposium. Nomathemba Ndiweni (Veterinary Biochemistry, Zimbabwe) Annual reward Philip Weinstein (Epidemiologist, Australia) We are in the process of establishing an annual inter- Also a webmaster, Gunnar Jarl, Sweden national reward on medical geology in Monaco. More information will be in the next newsletter. We are very pleased that such experienced and com- petent people are willing to devote their time and ef- Publications forts on behalf of the Association. As you may recall the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences had an international symposiuum on medi- As part of the benefits of our membership at the cal geology in May this year. The papers from this IMGA, the Association can offer the book Essen- meeting will be published in the first issue of the tials of Medical Geology with a 30% discount for prestigious journal of the Academy, Ambio, in a spe- those IMGA members in good standing. Please con- cial issue in January 2007. tact the secretary of IMGA, Kim Chisholm on this and she will arrange it. For new information, please look at the website. What has happened recently? Olle Selinus Bob Finkelman Jose Centeno

• Human Health has a prominent place in the draft

USGS Science Strategy as one of six new science

Page 2 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER FROM THE DIRECTORS Continued

A NEW LISTSERVE

The IMGA now has its very own listserv! It is called 'medical-geology'. Medical-geology is administered through the UK JISCMAIL system and provides us with an email forum for the exchange of ideas, information and events. You can subscribe to this free facility by sending an email or through the web (www.jiscmail.ac.uk). To subscribe, please send an email to [email protected] with 'medical-geology' in the subject and 'join medical-geology YOUR_FIRSTNAME YOUR_LASTNAME' in the main body of the message. You will then be sent an email to confirm your registration and giving you details of how to send a message to the list, to suspend or to leave the list and some basic etiquette on what the list may and may not be used for. We can also post files on to the list's web page for us to download as we see fit. List archives can also be accessed through the JISCMAIL website (above).

This listserve will hopefully fill a need and if it becomes active soon, with the help from you, it will be an easy way to provide everyone with quick information and news.

2nd USGS EARTH SCIENCE AND PUBLIC HEALTH MEETING: NATIONAL CEN- TER IN RESTON. ORIGINALLY SEPTEMBER 2006 RESCHEDULED TO FEBRUARY 27, 28, AND MARCH 1, 2007.

This is a forum to foster collaboration between the Public Health and Earth Science Communities, leading to solutions to environmental health problems. The audience is organizations and individuals interested in environmental and earth science factors affecting human health. This meeting is designed to provide a broad forum for discussion, bringing together a variety of interested parties, including policy makers, scientists, re- source managers, Congressional staffers, Federal and State government, and non-governmental organizations.

Overall, the meeting will be set up along six thematic areas: (1) exposure to toxic contaminants in air and dust; (2) chemical and pathogen contaminant exposure by drinking water; (3) human consumption of bioac- cumulative contaminants; (4) pathogen exposure through recreational waters; (5) vector-borne and zoonotic diseases; and (6) animals as sentinels of human health, along which the USGS public health research is aligned.

The first day of the meeting - Tuesday, September 12 - is an overview day. Invited are a variety of people including DOI, Congressional staffers, and managers from public health organizations, as well as the scientists attending the entire meeting. During this day, we will have a poster session centered around the six topical sessions listed above. The following two days will consist of talks, posters, and break out sessions organized around the six topical sessions.

Registration (no cost), information on abstract submittal, agenda, and more at: http://health.usgs.gov/

Newsletter No. 10 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER MEDICAL GEOLOGY IN THE IMGA “RUSSIA— NIS” DIVISION

Dear Colleagues! One of the main targets of the IMGA Regional Division activity is to attract young scientists to Almost five years have passed from that day, when conduct research in the field of medical geology. A IGCP project 454 on Medical Geology became pleasing fact is the active participation of young known in Russia. This wonderful event took place on scientists from our countries in this bulletin. This a warm day, May 3, 2002, during the impressive in- allows us to express a hope for the expansion of troductory lecture of Dr. Robert Finkelman (IMGA medical geology in Russia and N.I.S. – and, of course Co-Chair for geoscience) on Medical Geology, at the in other member countries of IMGA. The paper 234,238 241 Vernadsky State Geological Museum in Moscow. “Isotopes of U and Am in the Environment, Dr. Finkelman was one of the leaders of the Interna- and Modeling Experiments” by Alexei Starodubov tional Working Group on Medical Geology of the and Alexandr Gulynin, who graduated from the Commission on Geological Sciences for Environ- Moscow Skryabin Veterinary Academy, Chair of mental Planning. Two years and three months have Radio Biology in 2001 and 2002 respectively (see passed from the date of the Workshop on Metals and photos on front page). They carried out their Health held on September 6 – 7, 2003 in Edinburgh experiments around the city of Bryanck, which was where only two representatives from N.I.S. contaminated with radionuclides in April and May (Kazakhstan and Russia) were present. Today, we are 1986, after the Chernobyl catastrophy. A methodol- able to introduce the results of research carried out by ogy for radiation safety assessments of underground scientists from the N.I.S. medical geology commu- water is presented by Dmitry M. Zuyev, Ph.D. (who nity within the framework of IMGA Regional Divi- defended his thesis in 2006, May) in the paper “A sion Russia – NIS, which was established in July Methodology for the Radioecological Assessment of 2006. Underground Waters in the Moscow Region”.

The initiative of a special issue of Medical Geology The distribution of Natural radon in the Moscow Newsletter with contributions from scientists from region is considered by Anastassia L. Dorozhko (who N.I.S. has come out at the same time as the establish- defends her thesis next year) in the paper “The ment of the IMGA Regional Division. This initiative Distribution Of Natural Radon In The Moscow was supported by IMGA headquarters, IMGA Chair- Region”. man, Dr. Olle Selinus, and the editor of the bulletin, Dr. David Elliott. Today we are pleased to introduce Dr. Igor L. Komov (Ukraine) has revealed new some results of the studies carried out by the scien- factors in the field of radon safety in his paper “Risk tists from Russia and Ukraine to the international Assessment Related To Minerals”. medical geology community. These publications reveal some directions and trends It should not be a surprise that most of these papers and demonstrate the level of development in the field are devoted to the problem of radiation safety. There of health problems related to radioactivity safety and is an underestimation of radon and radiation safety medical geology of uranium, associated natural and considerations in geological prospecting, the proc- technological radionuclides, which will be evaluated essing of uranium ores, civil engineering construction by you, Dear Readers. activity on radon prone territory, construction materials that containing radioactive substance usage, etc. However, many other scientists from N.I.S., are oc- This problem will be vitally important for many cupied in many other fields of medical geology. years, because of the enormous scale of environ- Some results of these studies have been introduced to mental and health problems due to multiple nuclear the Internet users on the IMGA website (http:// tests and catastrophes. www.medicalgeology.org – IMGA Russia - NIS Di- vision - Report from the Russia - NIS Division –

Page 4 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER MEDICAL GEOLOGY IN THE IMGA “RUSSIA— NIS” DIVISION Continued

“Highlighting a Contribution to Urban Medical Geol- communities allows the identification of specific ogy and Mining Medical Geology from the Research natural and technological sources of potential hazard, Institute for Geochemistry and Crystal Chemistry of to increase both preventive measures and treatments Rare Elements by Dr. Olga V. Menchinskaya, IM- for the main environmental, occupational, and associ- GRE, Moscow, Russia) and will be introduced to ated diseases, and to have a significant influence in readers of the bulletin in the nearest future. Currently, the decision-making process. the most important areas of study in the field of Medical Geology in Russia - NIS are: One of the most important recent advances of scientists from N.I.S. is a special chapter on medical geol- • Geological and geochemical aspects of medical ogy “Medical geology today: purposes, problems and geology in term of mechanisms and scale of ways of their decision” (Written by Dr. Iosif Volfson, hydrogenic ore-forming processes and elements Dr. Igor Pechenkin, Dr. Yelena Kremkova) in the concentration as a base for the modelling and book Bio-Inert Interactions. Life and Rock. mapping of the spreading of endemic diseases, (Publishers of Saint-Petersburg State University, toxic elements such as uranium, fluoride, ra- Edited by Dr. Vladimir Gavrilenko, 2006). don, arsenic, etc., in subsurface geospheres,and In conclusion we are pleased to congratulate the atmosphere, and its effect on human health. all of the readers and their colleagues and relatives • Urban medical geology. with upcoming winter holidays and invite you to par- • Crystal chemistry and crystal genesis of bio- ticipate in the International Symposium, which will genic minerals of different origin take place in 2007 for the third time, in Saint- • The therapeutic usage of minerals in terms of Petersburg, Russia. This highly successful conference biological functions of the elements, metals in series started in St. Petersburg in 2002 and was held medicine and industry, and economic miner- in 2004 at St.-Petersburg University. als in medicine.

The cooperative efforts of the geological and medical

3RD INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM:

BIO-INERT INTERACTIONS. LIFE AND ROCK. An interdisciplinary conference dedicated to linking biosphere phenomena to physical & chemical reactions in the lithosphere. Saint-Petersburg, Russia, 26-29 June, 2007 The 3d International Symposium is dedicated to the exchange of recent advancements in biogeochemistry (bio-inert interactions in lithosphere, biogenic rock-and ore-forming processes, fossilisation of living organisms, stone in living organism, problems of environmental mineralogy and geochemistry). Special sections Stone in living organism and Environmental mineralogy and geochemistry are devoted to problems of medical geology. The conference provides a forum for professionals, regulators, and students to present their most recent findings and to discuss with colleagues from around the world state-of-the-art methodologies, analytical techniques, and process development. Contact: Marina, [email protected], for more information

Newsletter No. 10 Page 5 IMGA REGIONAL DIVISION “RUSSIA - NIS” EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Iosif F. Volfson, PhD - IMGA Regional Division “Russia - NIS” Executive Committee Chair. Fedorovsky All-Russian Research Institute for Mineral Resources (VIMS), MGS RosGeo Medical Geology Section, coordinator. E-mail: [email protected]

Evgeniy G. Farrahov, PhD - IMGA Regional Division “Russia - NIS” Executive Committee Co-Chair (geology), treasurer. RosGeo Vice-President. E-mail: [email protected]

Oksana L. Pihur, PhD - IMGA Regional Division “Russia - NIS” Co-Chair (medicine). Sankt-Peterburg Medical Acad- emy of Postgraduate Studies, Stomatolodgy Department. MGS RosGeo Sankt-Petersburg Division head. E-mail: [email protected]

Igor L. Komov, Sci.D - IMGA Regional Division “Russia - NIS”, Subdivision of Republic of Ukraine, Chair. Ukraine Institute for Environmental Geochemistry of National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Senior Research scientist. E-mail: [email protected]

Ospan B. Beiseyev, Sci.D - IMGA Regional Division “Russia - NIS”, Subdivision of Republic of Kazakhstan, Chair. Kazakhstan National Technical University, Professor. E-mail: [email protected]

Abdulhack R. Faiziev, member correspondent of NAS of Republic of Tajikistan, doctor of science – IMGA Regional Division “Russia - NIS”, Subdivision of Republic of Tajikistan, Chair. Institute for Geology of NAS, Director. E-mail: [email protected].

German I. Karatayev, Sci.D - IMGA Regional Division “Russia - NIS”, Subdivision of Republic of Belarus, Chair. In- stitute for Geochemistry and Geophysics of NAS of Republic of Belarus. E-mail: [email protected]

Igor G. Pechenkin, Sci.D - IMGA Regional Division “Russia - NIS” editorial commission head. Fedorovsky All- Russian Research Institute for Mineral Resources (VIMS), Director Deputy. E-mail: [email protected]@mail.ru

Nina L. Koroleva – IMGA Regional Division “Russia - NIS” secretary. Fedorovsky All-Russian Research Institute for Mineral Resources (VIMS), Junior Research scientist. E-mail: [email protected]

Yulia V. Plotkina, PhD – IMGA Regional Division “Russia - NIS” councilor (stomatolodgy, biomineralogy). Institute for Precambrian Geology and Geochronology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Senior Research scientist. E-mail: [email protected]

Olga V. Menchinskaya, PhD - IMGA Regional Division “Russia - NIS”, councilor (urban medical geology). Institute. for Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Crystal Chemistry of Rare Elements (IMGRE), Head of mathematical modeling sec- tor. E-mail: [email protected]

Aleksey V. Starodubov – IMGA Regional Division “Russia - NIS” councilor (links with veterinarian community). Fe- dorovsky All-Russian Research Institute for Mineral Resources (VIMS), Junior research scientist. E-mail: [email protected]

Alexandr V. Gulinin Alexandr Victorovich, junior research scientist – IMGA Regional Division “Russia - NIS” count- ing commission head. Fedorovsky All-Russian Research Institute for Mineral Resources (VIMS). E-mail: [email protected]

Ekaterina S. Shelekhova, PhD – IMGA Regional Division “Russia - NIS” interpreter (affiliate). Fedorovsky All- Russian Research Institute for Mineral Resources (VIMS), Senior research scientist. eE-mail: [email protected]

Page 6 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER ISOTOPES 234,238U and 241Am IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND MODELING EXPERIMENTS Alexander V. Gulynin & Alexei V. Starodubov, Fedorovsky Research Institute for Mineral Resources (Moscow) E-mail: [email protected]

The need to define the alpha-emitting nuclides for and in modeling experiments. natural objects is a consequence of their extremely A comparison of the biological efficacy of iso- high radiotoxicity. Most of them are Class "A", the topes of uranium and americium with other nu- highest level of radiation hazard [4], and result in clides has shown that they are 20-100 times more hazards because of internal irradiation. The group toxic than 90Sr [2]. Anthropogenic pollution of the of scientists of the Fedorovsky All-Russian Re- biosphere by uranium results from the explosion of search Institute for Mineral Resources and Moscow nuclear weapons, accidents at atomic power sta- Veterinary Academy, Department of Radiation Bi- tions, leakages at radiochemical plants, and daily ology carries out research on supertransuranic ele- economic activities: the addition of phosphate fer- ments in the natural environment, living organisms,

Figure 1. Radioactive pollution in Europe.

PageNewsletter 7 No. 10 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER ISOTOPES 234,238U and 241Am IN THE ENVIRONMENT Continued tilizers into soil, burning of coal, mining of mineral in vegetation from humus, and the content exchange resources, etc. Са is shown on Diagrams 1 and 2. A huge contribution to radioactive pollution was The greatest value of Кa (coefficient of accumula- made by the Chernobyl accident in April, 1986. tion) of uranium and americium had a standard value typical for the plants selected in soils characterized Isotopes of uranium and americium enter human and by low content exchange Са (Diagrams 1, 2). The animal organisms via biological food chains. Thus it decrease of the transfer of uranium in plants with an is necessary to determine their migration pathways in increased content of Са is insignificant, at 18%, the biosphere, as well as the forms in which they are while for americium this value decreases by a factor present in soils, inflows in plants, animal and of 2.5 times. humans. The values of Кa for isotopes from the humus con- A series of experiments on the transfer of the natural 234 235 238 241 tent in soil have a negative correlation, they show isotopes of U ( U, U, U). and Am to plants, considerable direct dependence between these values, and their distribution in animal organism have been (rАm = -0.86, rU = -0.95) (Diagram 3.). carried out by the authors by model experiments. A spectrometric method with radiochemical separation It is found that lower pH values are present in soils was used for the definition of the alpha-isotopes with increasing transfers of isotopes of uranium and content. A strong dependence between the americium in plants. In neutral soils the value of Кa accumulation of isotopes of uranium and americium for uranium is approximately 0.045, and in acid soils

Page 8 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER ISOTOPES 234,238U and 241Am IN THE ENVIRONMENT Continued

241 241 238 239 240 241 (Continued from page 8) ( Am, Pu, Pu, Pu, Pu, Pu) in nuclear at a value рН=5.5, values of Кa are 1.4 times higher. fall-out at a great distance from the Chernobyl accident epicenter, because significant radioactive The toxicity of uranium and its compounds are a di- anomalies of Chernobyl origin ocurred over Belarus, rect function of their solubility, a method of introduc- the Russian Federation, Ukraine, and some other tion and localization in an organism. European states (Finland, Norway, France, etc.). High values of the accumulation factor (F) of Ura- In the Russian Federation a group of researchers of nium (U) in the organs of laboratory mice are noted the All-Russian Institute of Mineral Resources and in the first 24 hours in kidneys, 0.8E-3, the least in a “Bryanskgeology” (the state organization "Geotsentr muscular tissue and in the heart, 0.13Е-3 and 0.10E-3 Bryansk"), is engaged in this problem. Radioecologi- respectively. The deposition of uranium on the walls cal investigations of the soil, ground sedimentation, of a thin intestine (2% at 48 hours after the introduc- and vegetation have been carried out from 1991 to tion of a tracer) was also observed. the present for this purpose in the Bryansk area, which is the most affected territory of the Russian A significant amount of americium at a single-pass Federation. The examinations were made using high 241 oral introduction of Am is noted in the kidneys resolution gamma-spectrometry, alpha-, and beta- and the liver (up to 3.3), and the least in the heart spectrometry with radiochemical separation, beta-, (Diagram 4). gamma-, autoradiography, and alpha tracking autoradiography. Special attention is given to the determi- The radionuclides behave differently when intro- nation of transuranium elements. (Figure 1) duced orally into animals of different ages. A decrease in the accumulation of radionuclides is ob- The presence of submicronic radioactive particles in served in organs and tissues upon aging of the ani- the upper soil stratum was shown, in the soils of the mals. One and a half month old mice are character- Bryansk area, in 1991. Up to 15-20% of the total ized by higher coefficients of accumulation of ura- amount of the particles contain the transuranium ele- nium isotopes than a 5-month (adult) animal. ments: 238Pu, 239Pu, 240Pu, 241Pu, 241Am. The rest of the radioactive particles are of condensation origin, Minor alteration of the ratio F /F has been young adult mainly 137Cs [1]. noted for the liver and for a muscular tissue (К = 1.13 - 1.25). The significant ratios of values for Transuranium elements have been detected in soils to kidneys (3 times), to an osseous tissue (2.4 times) a depth of up to 20 centimeters. The measured spe- show a decrease in the transfer of isotopes of ura- cific activities of soils are from 0.6 to 6 Bk/kg 241Am nium from food to organism, in organs, with the and from 0.5 to 2,5 Bk/kg 239+240Pu in 2004 [3]. The age of animals. peak activity of 241Am in the polluted regions of the Bryansk area is expected in 2059 - 2060 due to the The greatest F values of Americium for a chronic information of 241Am from 241Pu (T =14.4). Conse- take of small amounts of 241Am over a long period of 1/2 quently, the activity of 241Am will exceed the total time are for bone and liver, - 7.7E-2 and 6.06E-2, re- activity of the isotopes of Plutonium 238, 239, and spectively for adult animals, and 5.3E-2 and 1.39E-2, 240 by approximately two times by 2060. for young ones. The lowest values are for heart, lungs, and muscles, ranging from 0.63E-2 to 1.2E-2. Despite small absolute values of activity of the tran- 241 It is shown that changes in the accumulation of Am suranium elements in the soils of the Bryansk area, it differs with animals of different age from 1.1 to 1.4 is difficult to predict their effect on public health in times. the contaminated areas. The transuranium elements of the Chernobyl origin will affect human health for The issue is the level of transuranium elements hundreds years due to exposure to the chronic radia-

PageNewsletter 9 No. 10 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER ISOTOPES 234,238U and 241Am IN THE ENVIRONMENT Continued tion. [3] Starodubov A.V., Bahur A.E., Berezina L.A. et al. Features of Migration of Technogenic Radioactive References: Nuclides in the Contaminated Landscapes of the Bryansk Area. Investigation and Protection Of Inte- [1] Bahur A.E., Lagutin G.N., Gogol S.B., et al. rior. 2005 «Transuranium elements in soils of southwest of the Bryansk area». The Geological Bulletin of the Cen- [4] Harmful Chemical Substances. Radioactive Sub- tral Regions of Russia. №2, 2001, pp. 34-38. stances Guide. L.A. Ilina.-Spb.: Chemistry, 1990. [2] Moskalev Y. I. Radio-Biology of Incorporated [5] Mechanisms in Radiobiology. Volume I, Volume Radioactive Nuclides. — М.: Medicine, 1989. II. Academic Press. New York and London. 1960.

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Page 10 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER THE DISTRIBUTION OF NATURAL RADON IN THE MOSCOW REGION. Anastassia L. Dorozhko, Vladimir I. Makarov, Institute of Environmental Geoscience (IEG RAS), Moscow, Russia, ([email protected])

This exercise is a study of the relation between the ability zones - geodynamically active zones, which lithology of overburden and secondary sediments, the had been the direct subject of our research for many structural geodynamic factors in the Moscow region, years. Borders between areas with various RFD val- and the distribution of natural radon flux density ues roughly coincide with the boundary zones be- (RFD) on the surface, in soils. Negative and positive tween large blocks, which are interpreted as geody- (in small doses) impacts of natural radon on human namically active zones of different types. In other and animal health and on plants have been studied all words, the identified areas and the regional neotec- over the world. As a result of these studies, standards tonic structures are similar to the RFD field structure. have been developed that are used in the construction In three out of four areas, maxima of RFD values are industry, in particular, when considering the antira- in close proximity to or within the limits of borders don protection of buildings. However, the questions between the regional geoblocks and mesoblocks. The of sources, paths, and rates of migration, and the orientation of the axes of anomalies in these areas maximum depth from which radon can reach the sur- coincides with some of the prevailing directions of face in different geological conditions, have not been these zones. Such a relation is not observed in the resolved. The difficulty of carrying out this task on fourth area, where the most intensive RFD field was the lands of large cities is increased because of a high identified. Probably, this is due to the fact that qua- content of natural radioactive substances in soils and ternary and secondary layers have the maximum groundwater, but even more significantly, because of thickness there. Besides this, a probability of a rela- the built-up nature of these areas. tionship between the RFD distribution and ancient heterogeneity exists in this area. A good correlation In Moscow, four areas with different intensity and between the maximum value of RFD field and the character of RFD anomalies were identified as a re- deepest part of Podmoskovny ancient rift trough, sult of RFD studies on building sites in the last 8 which is 800-1500 m deep, remains unexplained. years (about 400 objects). While studying the geological structure of these areas, the relation between As a result, considering the two most credible factors, the lithology of near-surface soils (and, accordingly, which can influence RFD distribution on the daylight the content of natural radioactive substances - the surface, we can come to a conclusion that, along with presence of artificial radon was excluded at a sam- the lithology of the near-surface soil, the structural pling stage), and general high or low RFD back- factor, in particular the neotectonic division of the ground was confirmed, and there was no direct rela- Earth’s crust, also plays an important role in RFD tion with the structure of secondary rocks. But this distribution. This factor should be considered for does not explain the existence of several point and forecasting radon danger for urban territories and for linear anomalies with high RFD values on high or the geochemical mapping of soils in general. low homogeneous background lithological character. Consequently, the next stage was devoted to a study The work was done with financial support from of the relation between radon distribution and struc- RFBR (Grant 03-05-64244a). tural, geomorphological, and geodynamic character- istics, of the area of investigation, in particular, the arrangement of high density of fractures and perme-

PageNewsletter 11 No. 10 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER A METHODOLOGY FOR THE RADIOECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF UNDERGROUND WATERS IN THE MOSCOW REGION Dmitry M. Zuyev Fedorovsky All-Russian Research Institute for Mineral Resources (VIMS, Radioisotope Methods Laboratory, Moscow, Russia) E-mail: [email protected]

The role of underground waters to the health of the hygienic aspects of artesian drinking water, and a population and facilities of the Moscow region is system of radioisotope monitoring was also devel- very important. The water-supply of the major towns oped. in the Moscow region is based on artesian sources which are well surveyed and evaluated. The new term "radiological type of water" has been proposed. Based on this term, the classification of The sources of underground waters are protected underground waters in the Moscow region, in accor- from direct anthropogenic contamination and their dance with the radiological type, has been carried use can play a major role in emergency situations. out. Thus, the problem of full-scale radioisotope studies of underground waters in the Moscow region, as well The results have shown the absence of technological as the determination of natural and anthropogenic radionuclide contamination of underground water in factors that influence a change in their radionuclide the Moscow region. Anomalous values of radioactiv- composition and, as a result, the quality, are of pri- ity are of natural origin and are primarily connected mary importance. with the composition of water bearing bed rocks, structural features, and tectonics of the region. The The object of research is the underground waters of radiological character of the underground water of water-bearing carbonate horizons with mineralization the Moscow region consists of: radium more than 50 less than 1 g/dm3. The analytical and methodical pro- %, radium-polonium 29%, radium-uranium 10 %, cedure for radioisotope studies that has been devel- and uranium 4 %. oped corresponds to the international system of radiation control, that allows monitoring of radioactive The criteria chosen as measures of safety are a com- water contamination of natural and technological ori- bination of: gin. The approach includes a number of highly sensi- • The quality of underground waters of the par- tive methods for natural and technological radionu- ticular bore holes, water supplies, etc. (the clide identification deposited in the underground wa- total alpha- and beta-activities, and the sepa- ters. rately determined natural and technological radionuclide content); The average levels of the total activity of alpha- and • The dosage effects of water consumption on beta-radiation activity of the underground artesian the population. water supplies of the majority of the large populated districts of the Moscow region have been determined Proposed safety measures are: from eight-years of radioisotope studies in the • The reduction of the level of radioactivity in Moscow region. Data on the radionuclide the water-supply source by the addition of composition of drinking water of exploited water- water with low contents of radionuclide; bearing horizon were obtained. • The change of the water-supply source to an alternative source; A database on the radioactivity of underground wa- • Corrective technologies for water treatment; ters of the Moscow region was created. The organiza- using filters, etc. tional and safe-guard measures for the sanitary and

Page 12 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER RISK ASSESSMENT RELATED TO MINERALS Komov I.L. Institute of Environmental Geochemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and Ministry of Ukraine of Emergencies and Affairs of Population Protection from the Consequences of the Chernobyl Catastrophe, 34a, Palladin Ave., Kyiv-142, 03680, Ukraine.

Summary exposure to human health in the general area of The risk assessment strategies discussed in this paper ecotoxicity. The mining and downstream processing are concerned with the effects of minerals on human of mineral sands containing monazite or zircon pre- health, that is, medical mineralogy. Research into sents radiation protection problems, due to the pres- silicosis from hard rock formations has increasingly ence of uranium and thorium. Radiation hazards can been redirected towards assessing lung cancer risk. In exist from direct gamma-radiation from radioactive analysing risk assessment problems, it is important to minerals, but also from inhalation of dust produced realize that minerals are present in all parts of the en- during the separation process. vironment, from both natural and technogenic sources. Many different groups of fibrous minerals The Collection of Minerals have been recorded as containing chlorites, musco- Mineral collectors are well aware of the spectacular vite, biotite, talc, chrysolite, clay minerals, and asbes- bright colors (e.g., Woelsendorfite), interesting crys- tos. Many of the epidemiological studies cited by tallographic forms (e.g., Torbernite) or strong fluo- regulators as the basis for classifying minerals as car- rescence (e.g., Autunite) displayed by the over 200 cinogens are either incomplete or failed to use a varieties of radioactive minerals (Dixon 2000). Min- proper protocol. There is particular emphasis on the erals, which contain uranium or thorium, are radioac- implications of mineral exposure to human health in tive. The idea of radioactivity sometimes evokes the general area of ecotoxicity. Most of the radon in strongly negative feelings, but mineral collections buildings comes from below, with only a small con- containing such minerals can be quite beautiful as tribution from construction materials. The amount of well as informative. Uranium and thorium are some- radon emanated by small specimens is not enough to what, but not extremely, rare elements. The average cause concern, but keen collectors who store large crustal concentrations of 2.7 and 8.5 ppm for uranium quantities of material indoors may be exposing them- and thorium, respectively, are roughly similar to tin selves and their families to significantly increased (3 ppm) but much higher than silver (0.06 ppm). Ra- radon levels. diation hazards of minerals may be classified into three groups: those that emit strongly ionizing radia- Introduction tion, those that are strongly contaminating, and those In analysing risk assessment problems, it is important that emit high levels of radon. Strongly ionizing to realize that minerals are present in all parts of the Pitchblende is an example of a strongly ionizing min- environment, from both natural and technogenic eral that emits high levels of gamma radiation due to sources. The following factors can be distinguished the presence of radium, a degradation product of ura- as the most important in the risk assessment of min- nium. erals (Dixon 2000): minerals and health; mineralogical factors in ecology, and protection of the environ- Geologically older material contains correspondingly ment; higher concentrations of radium and emits higher levels of gamma radiation. Geologically younger mate- Many different groups of fibrous minerals have been rial, such as secondary uranium mineralization, emits recorded to contain chlorites, muscovite, biotite, talc, lower levels of gamma radiation. Some minerals are chrysolite, clay minerals, and asbestos. Many of the strongly contaminating and readily leave mineral epidemiological studies cited by regulators as the ba- residue in the form of particulate matter. These are sis for classifying minerals as carcinogens are either deemed potentially dangerous from the standpoint of incomplete or failed to use a proper protocol. There is particulate contamination (Komov, 2002). Careless particular emphasis on the implications of minerals handling is dangerous and should be avoided alto-

PageNewsletter 13 No. 10 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER RISK ASSESSMENT RELATED TO MINERALS Continued gether in order to avoid inhalation and incorporation Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber, which has been into internal body parts. Ionizing radiation such as known and utilized commercially for about a century. alpha or beta particles, which are comparatively Different types of asbestos fibre are associated with harmless outside of the body, can cause significant different level of risk (crocidolite-amosite- mutagenisis if incorporated into the body via inhala- chrysotile). Studies have shown that there is a relation or ingestion. Torbnerite and autunite are exam- tion between the degree of crocidolite exposure and ples of strongly contaminating material due to their level of cancer risk in a population exposed to croci- strong cleavage, which produces small particles, that dolite deposits (Komov 2002). Research efforts em- can be easily dispersed. The same can be said for ploying animal model systems have as a goal, to many of the secondary uranium minerals, even if identify and estimate the potential cause and effect only present as thin coatings. Heavy mineral sands relationships of specific minerals with various bio- containing uranium or thorium minerals such as zir- logic responses. Different minerals are present in dif- con or monazite or also problematic. Radon emitters: ferent forms with markedly contrasting ranges of radioactive decomposition results in production of solubility and mobility. Many of the epidemiological radon gas. Minerals containing radium, highly porous studies cited by regulators as the basis for classifying minerals and those with a high percentage of certain minerals, as carcinogens are either incomplete or radioactive elements are potentially strong radon failed to use a proper protocol. Many of the elements emitters. in minerals may be relatively insoluble, of low bioavailabity, and subject to very slow rates of mi- Risk Assessment Strategies for Minerals Affecting gration. However, the properties of minerals may Human Health. change over time. Sound risk assessment should be The risk assessment strategies considered here are to based on the best scientific data and evidence avail- do with the effect of minerals on human health, medi- able, the behavior of minerals and their pathways and cal mineralogy, and mineral pharmacology. Research routes of exposure to plants, animals, and man. There into silicosis in hard rock formation has increasingly is a particular emphasis on the implications of miner- been redirected towards assessing lung cancer risk. als and metals exposure to human health in the gen- The past administration by inhalation of fine alumi- eral area of toxicity. It has been shown that both in- num dust as a prophylactic agent in silicosis has pro- put source uncertainties and corresponding values of vided the impetus for research into the evaluation of risk assessment were influenced by the degree of spa- the potential for aluminum dust to produce fibrous or tial resolution used for collection of initial new infor- a neurobehavioral effect. The human organism has no mation. Of special interest will be the competition recognised function for aluminum in normal biologi- between adsorption and precipitation for the control cal systems. Mining and downstream processing of of heavy metal solubility. Platinum provides an ex- mineral sands includes monazite, zircon, and ilmen- ample of the significance of speciation in metal toxic- ite. The mining and downstream processing of these ity. Pt group minerals appear to be biologically inert minerals present radiation protection problems, due (Komov 2002). Platinum allergy, found in a number to the presence of uranium and thorium, particularly of mining workers is confined to a group of charged in monazite. Radiation hazards can exist from direct compounds that contain reactive ligand systems, the gamma-radiation from radioactive minerals, but also most effective of which are Cl ligands. Electromag- from the inhalation of dust produced during the sepa- netic signals generated by minerals and rocks at ration process. Many different groups of fibrous min- phase transition of the first and second kind would be erals have been recorded as containing chlorites, view as an informational mediator between organic muscovite, biotite, talc, chrysolite, clay minerals, and and inorganic nature. Such minerals are used for asbestos (Komov 2002). treatment by the emission of electromagnetic im- pulses over the range of radio frequency and their influence upon peculiar points of the human body.

Page 14 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER RISK ASSESSMENT RELATED TO MINERALS Continued

Crocidolite, one of the oldest asbestos minerals used eral occasions, irradiated gemstones have been re- by man, is today banned in many of its applications leased into the trade (Nassau 1984). One example because of its toxicity. Coating the fibres with an iron was a parcel of 100 blue topaz stones, where one 10 complex can detoxify crocidolite, the major problem carat stone showed 0.2 mr (milliroentgens) per hour being to decrease or to neutralize some of the nega- on a survey meter, compared to a 0.02 to 0.05 mr per tive charge on the fibres. For example, this could hour background reading. Another example involved involve the use of gamma-irradiation to induce irradiated spodumene, where a 6-carat stone regis- changes in the iron ions from the ferrous state to the tered at 0.7 mr per hour. Much lower levels were ferric state. Preliminary γ-irradiation experiments are found in some Maxixe-type blue beryl. Gemstones being undertaken to test these assumptions. In view having a significant radioactivity represent a totally of the decrease in production of crocidolite, espe- unnecessary exposure; although there are no appro- cially in Russia and Kazakhstan, where the produc- priate standards, stones such as these should not be tion fell by a large volume, it seems worthwhile to used for extended personal wear (Nassau 1984). A pursue research into all possibilities of reducing the dealer working with a package of many such stones toxicity of crocidolite. This is particularly important would be at a definite risk. Conscientious gemologi- as crocidolite has some very special properties such cal laboratories now routinely check for radioactivity as a high tensile strength and an acid resistance that with a survey meter. Such radioactivity does decay renders the fibres suitable for manufacturing special with time, the rate of decay depending on the nature gaskets. Gamma-radiation should not affect those of the radioactive isotopes present. So far such occur- properties in the way that other treatments do. Treat- rences appear to have been isolated incidents. This ment by addition of a coating increases the weight of problem may lessen, since it is reported that the Bra- crocidolite by more than 30%. In a coating process zilian authorities have been confiscating radioactive the major change is on the surface, which means that gemstones and investigating the unauthorized use of cutting or any mechanical transformation exposes nuclear reactors. Radioactivity is also seen in some new surfaces that are not coated, and are open to the old, radium-exposed, diamonds (Nassau 1984). These production of airborne particles or to act as a catalyst stones may be colored or they may have had their for the production of the harmful OH¯ group in a wet color, but not their radioactivity, removed by a heat environment. treatment. Although usually not too highly radioactive, at least one such stone was found to be excep- Radioactive Gemstones tionally so, darkening film in as little as 15 minutes Inevitably, we are all exposed to some radiation. The and giving the very high reading of 40 mr per hour typical environmental radiation level is about 100 on a survey meter. When located, highly radioactive mrad (millirad) per year or 0.012 mrad per hour; stones should be kept in a thick-walled lead con- which can be halved or doubled, depending on the tainer, equipped with the customary magenta-on- location and altitude. Contributing to this exposure, yellow radiation-hazard warning label. are the radioactive components in our own bodies (over one million beta particles per minute, together Highly radioactive minerals containing uranium and/ with smaller amounts of alpha particles, etc.), as well or thorium elements in high concentrations emit al- as from soil, from cosmic rays, and from fall-out pha, beta, and gamma radiation. The principal hazard from nuclear testing. Additional exposure comes to mineral collectors is the radon gas released into the from medical and dental X-rays and from radiation atmosphere in a closed cabinet. Systematic examina- treatments (Nassau 1984). tion of native samples and a review of the literature have shown that all native zircons are radioactive As mentioned above, zircon can contain radioactive with a level from 10 to 280 micro roentgen per hour elements, but the amount is usually so small in jew- per carat, which is caused by the thorium and ura- elry-grade material that this can be ignored. On sev- nium content in these gems. In charoite the radioac-

PageNewsletter 15 No. 10 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER RISK ASSESSMENT RELATED TO MINERALS Continued tivity is insignificant, about background level, and nation of Cr51 (1300 ppm ± 20%) and Fe59 (120 ppm caused by potassium-40; but sometimes it is more ± 10%); intensive as a result of micro-inclusions of thorium- bearing minerals, ekanite and steatite. Some camel- Corundum (2)] Pale green Combination of Fe59 (310 lias, onyxes, and agates are characterized by weak ppm ± 9%) and Cr51 (83 ppm ± 20%); radioactivity, about the background level, but sometimes these stones from Central Asian and Mongolian Corundum (3) Pale raspberry brown Fe59 (10,000 ± deposits have radioactivity 2 to-3 times higher than 17 %) and Cr51 (3800 ppm ± 20%). the background level, induced by fine micro-plates of uranium mineralization. A slightly higher than back- Forsterite. Pale green yellow, combination of Fe ground radioactivity of gems is considered to be (mainly), Ni, Cr, and Co, produces this color. After beneficial by some doctors, its action on the human neutron irradiation there are new colours That in organism being comparable to that of very weak ra- forsterite is an interesting, smoky-swampy. don baths. Abnormally high radioactivity of zircons and ekanite-bearing charoite is undoubtedly danger- By mass, minerals comprise the greatest part of the ous. There are serious reasons to consider that the aerosol particles in the troposphere, the part of the unfortunate diamonds of Tuilier, King Alfons XII, atmosphere that we inhabit. They have, with promi- and others known as "Ceilon diamonds" were, in fact, nent exceptions, been largely overlooked by atmos- burnt natural zircons with high radioactivity (Nassau pheric scientists, although increasing attention has 1984). The radioactivity of each piece of jewelry can been devoted to them recently. They are important as be tested in domestic conditions by putting it absorbers and scatterers of radiation and thus can wrapped up in a light-tight paper on a photo film for have important effects on climate, most especially on a week (Nassau 1984). Grey, or even black, spots local and regional scales because of their relatively will appear on the developed film under the danger- localized spatial and temporal distributions. Because ous article as a result of the radioactive effect, to aerosol particles are small in dimension and large in which light-tight paper is not an obstacle. Heat treat- number, most analyses have been on large numbers ment and irradiation are well-known procedures for of particles, with averaged bulk compositions and improving the color and quality of nature gem-stones properties. Such bulk measurements have important (Nassau 1984). Before these treatments it is neces- limitations (Trower 1993). The radiative, health, and sary to know the composition of minerals and to visibility effects of aerosol particles are caused by the group them by their dependence on different chro- cumulation of individual rather than averaged parti- mospheric elements. Neutron activation analysis is a cles, and therefore there is much reason for studying very sensitive method to check the composition of particles individually. Transmission electron micros- stones to be treated. The concentrations of some main copy is well suited to the study of individual aerosol elements (in ppm) were found in five typical samples particles. Many widely used assumptions in global of investigated groups of samples climate models are seen to be of limited validity when individual particles are examined. Thus, spheri- Emerald. There is no detectable by NAA quantity in cal shapes, extent of mixing of phases, and particle these samples (Trower 1993). The pale green color is speciation are all problematic but can be resolved caused mainly by Fe59 (6800 ppm ± 9 %), the pres- through individual-particle TEM studies. A difficulty ence of Cs134 (3800 ppm ± 17 %) is the reason for the is that deliquesced species lose their water in the vac- long lasting radioactivity of samples after neutron uum of the electron microscope, and these important irradiation (Trower 1993). aerosol types dehydrate and change their character. With this important limitation, aerosol particles can Corundum (1) Pale pink with violet due to a combi- be studied on an individual basis, their most detailed

Page 16 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER RISK ASSESSMENT RELATED TO MINERALS Continued properties can be determined through TEM, and they deposits. A dealer working with a package of many represent a far richer and more complex world than is such stones would be at a definite risk. So far such commonly assumed (Nassau 1984). Radioactive Min- occurrences appear to have been isolated incidents. erals contain uranium and/or thorium elements in The ultimate source of radon indoors is the small moderate to low concentrations that emit alpha, beta, amount of uranium that is present in all rocks and and gamma radiation. soils.

Conclusions References The following factors can be distinguished as the Dixon D. 2000. Radioactive minerals. Environ- most important in the risk assessment of minerals: mental Radon Newsletter. London. minerals and health, mineralogical factors in ecology, and the protection of the environment. Mining and Komov I. 2002. Minerals and health risk. IMA 2002. downstream processing of mineral sands containing 18th Generally meeting. Great Britain and Ireland monazite, zircon presents radiation protection prob- Session 18, Environmental mineralogy and health. lems, due to the presence of uranium and thorium. Edinburgh. Radiation hazards can exist from direct gamma- radiation from radioactive minerals, but also from Nassau K. 1984. Gemstone Enhancement. 456 p. inhalation of dust produced during the separation London. Butterworths process. Three sources of hazard might be present: direct radiation (gamma rays and alpha particles), Trower W. 1993. Nucl. Instruct and Meth. B79. ingestion of minerals and emission of radon. Much higher levels of activity can occur in rocks in veins or

GEOLOGY AND HEALTH SESSION AT NORTHEAST GSA MEETING

DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE, 12—14 MARCH 2007

The Northeast Section meeting of the Geological Society of America will be held in Durham, New Hamp- shire, from March 12 to March 14, 2007. A special session on Health and Geology in the Northeast is being organized for this meeting. This session will focus on the relationship between geological factors (both natural and anthropogenic) and disease, pathology and death in modern and fossil humans, animals and plants. This is an eclectic field and the intent of the session is to bring together researchers with various backgrounds and interests in order to facilitate discussion of the interrelationships between geology and health.

We encourage all of you interested in the interaction between geology and health to submit an abstract to this meeting. The abstract deadline for the meeting is December 5, 2006. Abstracts can be submitted electronically at http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2007NE/index.epl

For further information contact Catherine Skinner at "[email protected]" or Nelson Eby at "[email protected]".

PageNewsletter 17 No. 10 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER THE CORRELATION OF POTENTIAL FIELDS WITH PSYCHIC DISORDERS AND SOMATIC DISEASES IN LITHUANIA: WHAT IS BEHIND IT? Šliaupa S.1,4, Zukauskas G. 2, Zakarevicius A.3, Denas Z. 4, Jakubeniene M.2, Šliaupiene R.1, Davidoniene O. 5 1Institute of Geology and Geography Lithuania, 2Institute of Forensic Medicine of Lithuania, 3Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 4Vilnius University, 5State Mental Health Centre

Introduction information system (GIS) tools. Data were processed Systematic studies of human health and the natural and interpreted in MapInfo Professional environment. environment that have been initiated in recent years For the automation of tasks, study-specific programs have revealed a rather close correlation between the were written in the MapBasic language. The geographical variations of the different diseases rates statistical correlations between regions-scaled and geological factors in Lithuania (Šliaupa et al., environmental and health parameters were identified 2004a,b; Zukauskas et al., 2005). These studies using the STATGRAPHICS Plus program. Only considered geofactors, such as (1) gravity and correlations with a confidence level 0.95 and magnetic fields, (2) sub-soil lithologies, (3) correlation coefficient higher than ±0.30 were concentrations of geochemical elements in the soil, considered to be meaningful. (4) relief and other landscape features, (5) drinking water chemistry. The analysed medical parameters The digital models of the gravity and magnetic fields are i) psychic diseases and human behaviour such as (and their variability) were converted to average schizophrenia, alcoholic psychosis, suicides, values for each administrative region. The relief homicides and (ii) somatic diseases such as height, slope gradients, and dissection were derived tuberculosis, cancer, infections, cardiac-vascular, and from the digital terrain model of Lithuania. The other respiratory diseases. A rather strong correlation analysed landscape factors are the percentage of the between human health and the earth’s potential fields forests, lakes, rivers, and wetlands that were derived was identified using formal statistical approaches. from the CORINE Land Cover model. The density of Nevertheless, a strong statistical correlation does not the neotectonic faults and occurrence of the necessarily imply the direct effect of gravity and hydrogeochemical anomalies, related to active faults, magnetic fields on human health, as this linkage can were incorporated. The sub-soil lithologies were be via some other geofactors, directly (or indirectly) derived from the digital Quaternary Map of related to potential fields. In this paper, the nature of Lithuania. They show different geochemical the correlations is discussed. enrichment of the soil. Twenty eight trace elements were analysed. The ground water is mainly exploited Data and Methods for drinking water supply in Lithuania. Data on the Statistical data on the distribution of schizophrenia, chemical composition of the drinking water were alcoholic psychosis, suicides, tuberculosis, cancer, collected from more than 12,000 boreholes stored in infection, cardiac-vascular, and respiratory diseases the GEOLIS database of the Lithuanian Geological were collected from 45 administrative regions of Survey. Lithuania that were analysed with respect to different geofactors. The persistence of trends recognised by Geographic Trends of Diseases Rates in Lithuania comparing medical data for different years from 1999 The psychic disorder and human health parameters to 2003 (Fig. 1) persuade one that certain show some distinct trends across Lithuania, implying geographical parameters are involved. These have involvement of geographic-dependent factors. In different formats and, therefore, a special technique particular, the north-eastern part of Lithuania is was applied to unify geofactors for individual characterised by a higher schizophrenia rate. In the administrative regions (Fig. 2). This study is based on west, distinct NW-SE tends are identified, whereas the application of statistical methods and geographic

Page 18 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER PSYCHIC DISORDERS AND SOMATIC DISEASES IN LITHUANIA Continued the eastern half of the country is dominated by a NE- Increased infection rates are reported from central SW anomaly pattern. The highest disease rate of and southwest Lithuania. alcoholic psychosis is registered in the west, and it is the lowest in central Lithuania. Central Lithuania is Potential fields and human health marked by an increased suicide rate, and it. should be The gravitational and especially the magnetic fields noted that Lithuania has the highest suicide rate in are discussed as important factors for living Europe. Also, the rate of tuberculosis is quite organisms. Gravitational and magnetic fields show dramatic, averaging 280 events per 100,000. The considerable variations across the country. The highest rates are reported from west Lithuania and maximum intensity of the gravity field, +35 mGal to there is a distinct trend, crossing the whole country +42 mGal, is reported from southeast, south central from NW to SE. In general the eastern part of and north Lithuania, whereas minimum values, –15 Lithuania is characterised by a lower tuberculosis mGal to –21 mGal, have been documented in west rate. Cancer shows a different pattern. The highest and central Lithuania. A high-intensity magnetic field disease rate is registered in southwest Lithuania, dominates east and southwest Lithuania (+5nT to while the lowest is in some regions of east Lithuania. +20nT), whereas minimum values (-7 nT to –10 nT) The rate of cardiac-vascular diseases is generally are identified in central and west Lithuania. There is higher in the eastern part of Lithuania. East no discernable correlation between the gravitational Lithuania is characterised by a risk of higher respi- and magnetic fields. Analysed medical parameters ratory diseases and is especially high in the south. have consistent statistical correlation with the

Figure 1. Cardiac-vascular disease rates (lethal events per 100,000 population) in different regions of Lithuania, year 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003. Note consistent trends for different regions.

PageNewsletter 19 No. 10 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER PSYCHIC DISORDERS AND SOMATIC DISEASES IN LITHUANIA Continued

intensity of the magnetic and gravity fields, whereas drinking water salinity and SO4 content (-0,38). The the variability of the earth’s fields has a less distinct infectious diseases correlate with the soil pH. The statistical correlations. Schizophrenia positively low rate of cardiac-vascular diseases spatially correlates with the magnetic field, the coefficient of correlates to higher concentrations of Na and K, and correlation is as high as +0.30. The gravity field a higher pH. Schizophrenia negatively correlates with intensity correlates negatively with the crime soil trace elements P, Pb, and Sn (-0.40, -0.38, -0.40). distribution. The most distinct positive crime Alcoholic psychosis shows a strong relationship with anomalies in southwest of west Lithuania and in the drinking water chemistry. There is an especially central Lithuania are confined to distinct gravity strong negative relationship of Mg, Ca to alcoholic minimums. The cardiac-vascular diseases correlate psychosis. The water chemistry also correlates with with the magnetic field (+0.37). The infectious the suicide level, i.e. Na, K, high pH showing diseases also correlate with the gravity and magnetic ”remedying” effect. fields, the correlation coefficients are respectively +0.31 and -0.33. Tuberculosis negatively correlates Discussion with the gravitational and magnetic fields (-0.33 and Human health is shown to correlate with natural -0.35). Cancer has a consistent correlation with the environmental factors, including gravitational and magnetic field, essentially with its variability magnetic fields. However, an observed statistical (correlation coefficient +0.45). correlation does not necessarily imply a genetic relationship, as environmental parameters are The statistical methods fail to reveal existing intimately interrelated. Rather, they reflect some relationships in some cases, as evidenced by particular environmental systems with a specific set comparison of the homicide distribution with the of factors, such as the soil lithology and chemical magnetic field map. A very distinct NE-SW trending composition, drinking water chemistry, etc. anomaly marks the first-order fault zone (Taurage- The statistical cross-correlation of the environmental Ogre) in west Lithuania. Similarly, the NW-SE parameters reveals two large groups that can be oriented maximum marks the other large-scale conventionally called the gravity and magnetic field tectonic zone (Vilnius-Mazeikiai). The maximum in groups. The present relief and sub-soil lithtologies northeast Lithuania is confined to large Daugavpils were formed by the Quaternary glaciation and tectonic block. deglaciation processes. In turn, these processes were strongly controlled by the deep structure of the Disease rates and other geofactors earth’s crust that is sensitively reflected by the Apart from the potential fields, consistent statistical magnetic and gravity fields. The former reveals the correlations were identified for the other geological distribution of the shallow geological bodies, parameters. Cancer correlates with some geochemical whereas the latter one is influenced mainly by deeper elements of the soil, i.e. titanium and zircon (+0,32), geological sources. Accordingly, the gravitational with a weaker relationship to Y, Yb, and Nb (+0.22 and magnetic fields relate inversely in terms of to +0.29). Drinking water containing an increased statistical correlation. It was determined that the amount of Ca, HCO3and a higher pH, statistically has intensity and variability of the magnetic field has a a remedial effect on tuberculosis. A close relationship direct statistical correlation with the present relief to respiratory diseases is identified for the (height, dissection), whereas the gravitational field differentiation of the relief (+0.44), essentially in the has a inverse statistical effect on the relief. areas that show a less dense river network Furthermore, sandy sub-soil lithologies are more (correlation is -0.32). Of the analyzed soil chemical common for high magnetic field areas, whereas the elements, Rb and Sr have a consistent negative high gravity field directly correlates with clayey loading on the respiratory disease rate, as well as the lithologies. The relief and related lithologies are the

Page 20 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER PSYCHIC DISORDERS AND SOMATIC DISEASES IN LITHUANIA Continued

Figure 2. Conventional magnetic field map (left Figure 1. Cardiac-vascular disease rates (lethal figure) scaled to 45 administrative regions of events per 100,000 population) in different regions Lithuania (right figure). of Lithuania, year 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003. Note consistent trends for different regions. major factors controlling the other landscape of primary importance. The atmospheric currents and parameters (drainage network, land cover, etc.). related chemical enrichment are strongly dependent Accordingly, the higher magnetic field (in turn, the on the relief that can explain the observed higher and more dissected relief) directly correlates relationship. As for the potential fields, they have a with the lake, wetland, and forest percentages, while direct influence on a relief via relationship ”crustal inversely correlating with the river and neotectonic structure – relief forming processes”. fault network densities. These factors show opposite trends from the gravitational field. The relief The infections are ”gravity”-group controlled (a intimately relates to the sub-soil lithologies that have direct correlation). They primarily correlate with soil different geochemical compositions. pH, and the more acid soil seems to have a remedial effect via the food chain. This statistical cross-correlation between different environmental factors provides some explanation for Cardiao-vascular diseases directly correlate with the the obtained statistical relationships with different ”magnetic” group factors, but the most essential diseases. Cancer is shown to correlate with the parameter seems to be the drinking water chemistry, magnetic field and some trace elements (Ti, Zr, Y, the lower disease rate being associated with high Yb). These elements are typical representatives of the concentrations of Na and K. These two elements, clastic (allochtonous) association showing increased especially potassium, are well recognised to prevent amounts in sandy lithologies. This particular cardiac-vascular diseases. lithotype set is believed to be the environmental factor directly controlling the spatial distribution of Schizophrenia is ”magnetic”-group controlled. The the disease rate in a country scale. major parameter is likely the sandy lithologies that are typically enriched in phosphorus which is known As for the respiratory diseases, the relief seems to be to have strong impact on brain function.

PageNewsletter 21 No. 10 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER PSYCHIC DISORDERS AND SOMATIC DISEASES IN LITHUANIA Continued

The suicide level shows a surprisingly strong earth’s fields, as we are living in a highly complex geographical control. A likely explanation is an environment where different parameters are very impact of the landscape on the economic-social closely interrelated. The authors of the presented framework. On the other hand, direct involvement of study do not neglect the possible influence of the geofactors should not be neglected, as is hinted potential fields on a human organism, but one has to by the strong correlation of the disease rate with the be careful when identifying factors having direct and drinking water chemistry, in particular the remedial indirect impacts. (in terms of statistics) effect of potassium. It is known that when potassium starvation becomes References chronic, suicide is often contemplated and sometimes attempted. 1. Šliaupa, S., Zukauskas, G., Korabliova, L., Denas, Z., Zakarevicius, A., Davidoniene, O. (2004). Somatic Diseases and Human Behaviour in Relation The homicide rate does not show any correlation with to Geological Factors. Jurisprudencija 62, 4-16. environmental factors, as it is primarily a social- . dependent parameter. Still, some interesting direct correlation of the fault density with the homicide rate 2. Šliaupa, S., Zukauskas, G., Korabliova, L., Denas, should be mentioned. It is often discussed to what Z., Zakarevicius, A., Davidoniene, O. (2004). Impact extent tectonics may have an impact on crime rate. of some Geological Factors on Human Health. Earth’s fields and their influence on organisms. Conclusions Abstracts and Materials of the International Seminar at Tamošava, Lithuania, June 0306, 2004. 32-38. Environmental conditions show rather minor changes . across the country. However, even minor changes in the living environment have a certain impact on 3. Zukauskas G., Šliaupa S., Korabliova L., human health. We fully acknowledge that the human Davidoniene O., Dapsys K. (2005) Possible influence health depends on interaction of very different of the earth’s fields and chemical elements on suicide factors, and the environment is one (and maybe not rates in Lithuania // 4th International Meeting the most important) of those factors. ”Suicide: Interplay of Genes and Environment”, Ghent (Belgium). Program and Abstracts: 61 The presented results indicate that one has to be ”Suicide: Interplay of Genes and Environment”, rather careful when interpreting observed correlations Ghent (Belgium). Program and Abstracts: 61 of human behaviour and health with low-intensity

MEMBERS DISCOUNT ON ”ESSENTIALS OF MEDICAL GEOLOGY”

We can now offer the book, Essentials of Medical Geology, with a 30% discount to members of IMGA. Contact IMGA Secretary, Kim Chisholm, for details.

Page 22 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER HEALTH OF CATTLE AND WILDLIFE DOWNWIND FROM GAS FACILITIES: THE WESTERN CANADA STUDY Tee L. Guidotti, MD, MPH; Co-chair, Scientific Advisory Panel, Western Interprovincial Scientific Studies Association, Calgary, Alberta (Canada) and GWUMC SPHHS Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, 2100 M St., NW, Ste. 203, Washington DC 20052, tel. 202 994-1734, fax 202 994-0011, [email protected].

The Western Canada Study of Animal Health Effects study was conducted at the same locations using Associated with Exposure to Emissions from Oil and European starlings as an indicator species. With spe- Natural Gas Field Facilities was begun in 2000 to cific anomalies and exceptions noted in the report, answer specific questions related to alleged exposure- there was no overall pattern to suggest substantial related averse outcomes in cattle downwind of gas adverse effects on cattle reproduction or wildlife. Air facilities, mostly related to reproduction, calf produc- contaminant levels were relatively low compared to tion and mortality. The study was designed to answer urban air pollution. The Study was professionally primary hypotheses with sufficient power to resolve managed by an independent corporate entity created the issues and secondary hypothesis with enough for the purpose, Western Interprovincial Scientific power to provide a reasonably authoritative answer. Studies Association, with oversight by a Scientific Ultimately, 33,000 cows (which in turn produced Advisory Panel. The principal investigator for the 28,000 calves) were followed through two calving Study was Dr. Cheryl Waldner, veterinary epidemi- cycles in four western Canadian provinces, each indi- ologist at the University of Saskatchewan. Further vidually tracked with herd-level exposure assessment information is available at: http:// based on passive dosimetry and, for a subset, supple- wissa.hillandknowlton.ca. mental fine particulate monitoring. A nested wildlife

2ND HEMISPHERICAL CONFERENCE IN MEDICAL GEOLOGY OCTOBER 21-26, 2007, SAO PAOLO, BRAZIL

On behalf of the International Medical Geology Association (IMGA) and the Organizers of the Brazilian Geo- chemistry Congress, we invite you to participate in the 2nd Hemispherical Conference on Medical Geology, October 21-26, 2007 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The aim of this conference is to bring together scientists from South America, Central and North America, Canada, and the Caribbean Basin to share the most recent advances and latest information on Medical Geology research with particular emphasis on this part of the globe. The 1st Hemispherical Conference on Medical Geology was organized in Puerto Rico with participation from over 50 delegates and with representation from each of the regions.. The 2nd HCMG is expected to bring together a wide range of disciplines in geosciences and biomedical research with particular interest on Medical Geology. Among the general topics of this international meeting will include:

1. Soils, water, air and public health 2. Environmental surveillance and public health 3. Emerging and re-Emerging Diseases and Medical geology 4. Geochemical and Human Health Databases 5. Tools of the Trade in Geosciences and Public Health

For more information please contact the IMGA at [email protected] or Jose Centeno at Cen- [email protected] or [email protected].

PageNewsletter 23 No. 10 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER MEDICAL GEOLOGY IN BRAZIL: EFFECTS OF GEOLOGIC MATERIALS AND FACTORS ON HUMAN HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT. 2005 INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP OF MEDICAL GEOLOGY RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Edited by

Cassio Roberto da Silva Geologist, MSc, Chief of the Department of Territorial Administration of Geological Survey of Brazil – CPRM/Rio de Janeiro

Bernardino Ribeiro Figueiredo Geologist, Professor Dr. of the Institute of Geosciences of the State University of Campinas - UNICAMP – São Paulo

Eduardo Mello De Capitani Doctor, Professor Dr. of the College of Medical Sciences of the State University of Campinas - UNICAMP - São Paulo

Fernanda Gonçalves da Cunha Geologist, Dra.of the Department of Geology of Geological Survey of Brazil – CPRM/ Rio de Janeiro

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, 2006

Medical Geology, the science dealing with the study de Janeiro, under the auspices of the Geological Sur- of the impacts of geologic materials and processes vey of Brazil - CPRM. On the first chapter, Dr. Olle (that is the natural environment) on animal and hu- Selinus provides a detailed description and historical man health, is a rapidly growing discipline that has evolution of Medical Geology as a globally emerging the potential of helping the medical community all discipline, and gives the reader an insight into how over the world in addressing a wide range of environ- exposure (or lack of exposure) to trace elements can mental and human health issues and improve public affect our quality of life. The second chapter by da health. This book addresses specific issues regarding Silva et al. details the historical progression of medi- the development and integration of medical geology cal geology in Brazil, which is follow by a chapter on in Brazil. It was prepared with the objective of de- the importance of integrating epidemiological studies scribing the state of medical geology research in Bra- on the evaluation of public health within the context zil, with particular emphasis on the geological con- of Medical Geology. siderations, methodologies and results of current investigations conducted by Brazilian geoscientists and The others chapters provide detailed and precise in- biomedical/public health professionals. formation on results obtained from a number of regional and national research studies in Brazil, ap- The book is arranged in 30 chapters which were pre- proaching themes related to the concept of Medical sented as research articles at the recent 2005 Interna- Geology. In many cases, data obtained from geo- tional Workshop of Medical Geology (IWMG-2005). chemical studies have been correlated with human The IWMG-2005 was organized in June 2005 in Rio health data from populations affected by these prob-

Page 24 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER MEDICAL GEOLOGY IN BRAZIL: Continued lems, providing a forum that will encourage interac- regional books of this nature. tions and communication between the geoscience and biomedical/public health communities to seek novel We would like to thank all the authors for the valu- solutions to better protect human health from the able contribution, in special to Foundation of Assis- damaging effects of physical, chemical and biologi- tance the Research of the State of Rio de Janeiro cal agents in the natural environment. (FAPERJ), for the financial support, to Geological Survey of Brazil (CPRM), to Brazilian Society of Our aim in preparing “Medical Geology in Brazil” Geochemistry (SBGq), and the International Medical has been to provide the first compilation of refer- Geology Associations (IMGA) for the incentive and ences illustrating the development and implementa- logistical support, we are sure that together we are tion of Medical Geology inn Brazil. This collection contributing for the dissemination and development of chapters is not a complete review of our under- of Medical Geology in Brazil, consequently, to im- standing of issues acting at the interface of Geo- prove the quality of life of our population. sciences and Health, and the focus of chapters on specific issues indicates the main areas of research Cassio Roberto da Silva, CPRM within Brazil. Nevertheless, we hope that by com- Bernardino Ribeiro Figueiredo (UNICAMP) piling these works of our Brazilian peers and col- Eduardo Mello De Capitani (UNICAMP) leagues, we may initiate a further drive for reference Fernanda Goncalves Cunha (CPRM)

MEDICAL GEOLOGY IN BRAZIL, CONTENTS

Introduction 1. Medical Geology 1 Selinus O. 2. Medical Geology in Brazil 6 Silva CR, Figueiredo BR, De Capitani EM 3. Epidemiology and Medical Geology 15 De Capitani EM 4. Monitoring in Health Related to Chemistries in Domain of Only System Health 19 Netto GF 5. Geochemistry Multielementary of Surface in the Delimitation of Risks and Environmental Impacts, Paraná State, Brazil 21 Licht OAB 6. Geochemistry of Brazilian Soils: Actual Situation Pérez DV 7. Biofortification as Tool to Combat the Deficiencies in Micronutrients 43 Nutti M 8. Evaluation of Risk a Tool to the Process of Managent Socioenvironmental: Study of Case North Region of Mato Grosso 48 Hacon S 9. Risks to Heath of Natural Organic Substance 55 Mello CSB de 10. Occurrences of Arsenic in Brazil and Human Exposition 64 Figueiredo BR 11. The Arsenic in the Groundwaters of Ouro Preto-MG 71 Gonçalves JAC, Pereira MA, Paiva JF, Lena JC de 12. Arsenic in Estuary Sediments of the Canal of Access the Antonina Bay, Paraná 78 Sá F, Machado EC, Ângulo JR

PageNewsletter 25 No. 10 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER MEDICAL GEOLOGY IN BRAZIL, CONTENTS Continued

13. Human Exposition to the Arsenic in Medium Vale do Ribeira, São Paulo 82 De Capitani EM, Sakuma AM, Figueiredo BR, Paoliello MMB, Okada IA, Duran MC, Okura RI 14. Lead and Arsenic in the Sediments of river Ribeira of Iguape, SP/PR 88 Lopes Jr I, Figueiredo BR, Enzweiler J, Vendemiatto MA 15. Environmental Diagnostic and of Human Health: Contamination for Lead in Adrianópolis, on State of Paraná, Brazil 97 Cunha, F.C., Figueiredo, B.R., Paoliello, M.M.B., De Capitani, E.M. 16. Study of Composition and the Isotopics Sources of Pb from the Aerossóis in Brasília (DF), Central Brazil 104 Gioia, SMCL, Pimentel MM, Kerr A 17. Dental Fluorose and Fluorine Anomalies in the Groundwater on Municipal district of São Francisco – Minas Gerais, Brazil 110 Velásquez, L.N.M., Fantinel, L.M., Ferreira, E.F., Castillo, L.S., Uhlein, A., Vargas, A.M.D., Aranha, P.R.A. 18. Geochemistry of Fluorine in Waters and Sediments of Region of Cerro Azul, Paraná State: Definition of Areas of Risk for Human Consumption 118 Andreazzini, M.J., Figueiredo, B.R., Licht, O.A.B. 19. Hidrogeochemistry Study of Fluorine in the Groundwaters of the Basins of the Rivers Casseribú, Macacú e São João, State of Rio de Janeiro 127 Panagoulias, T.I., Silva Filho, E.V. 20. Mercury – Natural Occurrences in Paraná State, Brazil 130 Plawiak, RR AB, Licht, O.A.B., Vasconcelos, E.M.G., Figueiredo, B.R. 21. Contamination for Antropic Mercury in soils and Stream Sediments of Lavras do Sul, RS, Brazil 140 Grazia,C.A., Pestana, M.H.D. 22. Implications of Radioelements in the Environment, Agriculture e Public Health in Lagoa Real, Bahia, Brazil 148 Oliveira, J.E. 23. Asbestos: What it is Also Important to Consider 157 Scarpelli, W. 24. Crenoterapia of the Minerals Waters of Rio de Janeiro State 161 Martins, A.M., Mansur, K.L., Pimenta, T.S., Caetano, L.C. 25. Evaluation of the Level of Contamination of the Groundwaters of Parintins City, Amazonas, Brazil 169 Marmos, J.L., Aguiar, C.J.B. 26. Geochemistry Characterization of Waters of System of Public Supplying of Eastern Amazônia, Brazil 174 Macambira, E.M.B., Viglio, E.P. 27. Chemical Elements in Waters of Public Supplying on State of Ceará 183 Frizzo, S.J. 28 Evaluation of the Contamination of Consumed Water of the UFRN in Relation to the presence of Nitrate Derived of Septic Systems 192 Petta, R.A., Araújo, L.P., Lima, R.F.S., Duarte, C.R. 29. Aluminium Dissolved in the Water of the Caves of Sand Extration – A Study of the possible Implications of its Toxicity – Mu- nicipal district of Seropédica – Rio de Janeiro 200 Eduardo Duarte Marques, E.D., Silva Filho, E.V., Tubbs, D., Santelli, R.E., Sella, S.M. 30.The Influence of the Superficial Area of Particles in the Adsorptions of Trace Elements for Sediments of Deep: A Study of Case in the Adjacencies of the City of Macaíba, State of Rio Grande do Norte, BrazilLima, R.F.S., Guedes, J.A., Brandão, P.R.G., Souza, L.C., Petta, R.A. 204

Page 26 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL POLICY AND DIRECTIONS TO AUTHORS, MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER

EDITORIAL POLICY • The language of publication will be English. • Articles should typically be about two pages long, of single spaced Times Roman 12 point text, including figures and tables. Longer articles may be included subject to space availability. • Submissions may be edited to fit into the space available in the Newsletter or for clarity. • A submitted item may be delayed to a subsequent newsletter, usually be because of space limitations. • The current newsletter is not refereed. It is the editor’s responsibility whether or not to publish an item in the newsletter. In case of doubt, this will be referred to the members of the Journal Committee and/ or the Chairman. • Submission of an item implies the assignment of a non-exclusive copyright to the IMGA. • Articles should not have been published previously. Summaries of previously published articles may be acceptable, but the editor should be advised, and a reference must be provided to the original publication. It is the author’s responsibility to ensure that there are no copyright violations.

SUBMISSIONS • Submissions should be in digital form. If this is not possible, there may be some limited ability to handle typed text or, if legible, hand written material. • Text should be in English, preferably in MS Word 2000 format. It may be possible to handle other formats, but this cannot be guaranteed. • Lists of references should be kept short, and longer lists should be obtainable from the author. • Graphic material and tables may be submitted in colour and will be published in colour, if possible. However, since this is not always possible, authors should ensure that they will also be fully legible in black and white. • Figure captions should be separate from the graphics. • Since graphic material may be reduced in size for publication, authors should ensure that it is designed to remains readable when reduced. • Graphics formats that are compatible with MS Word 2000 are acceptable. Preferred file types are .jpg, .bmp, .gif, .wmf (Windows Metafile), but it may be possible to handle other formats. • All articles should contain the author’s contact information.

FORMAT AND SOFTWARE The Newsletter will be prepared in MS Publisher and distributed on a CD.

CONTRIBUTIONS Submissions should be sent to: Dr. David C. Elliott, Newsletter Editor, 3507 Boulton Rd. NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 1M5, Canada. (403) 220 1853 Home or (403) 297 4008 Work E-mail [email protected]

TIMELINE Next Newsletter submission date May 15th 2007 for publication in June

PageNewsletter 27 No. 10 MEDICAL GEOLOGY NEWSLETTER Cover of the book MEDICAL GEOLOGY IN BRAZIL See page 25 for information on the English version